This Tuesday, November 8th, is Election Day. For most students, this means a day off from school to relax and catch up on work. For staff and students aged eighteen or older, however, Tuesday is the last day to vote in the 2022 midterm elections.

Midterms are elections held at the halfway point between presidential elections during which Senate and House races are held alongside state and local elections. Although they may not garner as much attention as the presidential race, the results of the midterm elections will play a major role in the American political landscape over the next two years.

Many Apex High students will be voting for the first time this year, so here’s what to expect:

Early Voting:

Early Voting is open now and ends at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5th. During the early voting period, voters can register and cast their ballots on the same day at any polling location in the county in which they are registered. To register in person, make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID or other government document showing your name and address. Voters who are unsure of their registration status can check online using the State Board of Elections’ Voter Search.

Election Day:

Polling Places will be open on Tuesday, November 8th from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote. On Election Day, voters may only cast their ballots at their assigned polling place, which can be found using the Voter Search or by entering your address at Election Day Polling Place Search.

Photo ID is not required to vote in North Carolina and state law mandates that no voter be turned away. In the event that questions are raised about your eligibility to vote, you have the right to fill out a provisional ballot.

In order to vote on Election Day, you must have registered to vote by October 14th. If you were not registered by this date, you must same-day register and vote during the early voting period.

Additional Information:

• Polling sites are required to be accessible by state and federal law. Curbside Voting is available for individuals who are unable to enter the polling site and accessible absentee ballots are available to blind or visually impaired voters.
• Any registered voter in North Carolina can request an absentee ballot through the N.C. Absentee Ballot Portal. No special circumstance is required. Absentee ballots must be returned by Election Day.
• A sample ballot which includes the contests and measures on which you are eligible to vote can be found through the Voter Search.

Election Day is less than a week away, so make sure to get out and vote!